Savory Vegetable Stuffing for Cornish Game Hens
This delightful savory stuffing is an excellent alternative to traditional bread-based stuffings, packed with the vibrant flavors of fresh vegetables. Featuring a medley of shredded carrots, chopped celery, fragrant leeks, and earthy mushrooms, it brings a beautiful color and taste to your Cornish hens. Whether you're serving it as a stuffing or as a standalone side dish for your vegetarian friends, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser. Perfect for special occasions and family gatherings, this stuffing is not only healthy but also incredibly satisfying. Make a generous batch—there's always room for more of this delicious dish!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Carrot
1 cup (shredded)
Celery
1 cup (finely chopped)
Leek
1/3 cup (cleaned and finely chopped (white end only))
Mushroom
3/4 cup (finely chopped)
Onion
3/4 cup (finely chopped)
Butter or Margarine
2 tablespoons (melted)
Thyme
1/2 teaspoon (dried)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
Pepper
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
Whole Wheat Bread
3 slices (fresh crumbs)
Instructions
1
In a large skillet, melt the butter or margarine over medium heat.
2
Add the shredded carrots, finely chopped celery, leeks, mushrooms, and onions to the skillet. Sauté the mixture for approximately 3-4 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and fragrant.
3
Stir in the thyme, salt, and pepper, mixing well to combine all flavors.
4
Remove the skillet from heat and let the vegetable mixture cool slightly.
5
Once the mixture has cooled, combine it with the fresh whole wheat bread crumbs, ensuring an even distribution of ingredients.
6
If you're using the stuffing for Cornish game hens, proceed to stuff each hen with the filling. If cooking only two hens, place the remaining stuffing in an oven-safe dish.
7
For the stuffing in the dish, cover it with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 25 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary use for Savory Vegetable Stuffing?
It is designed as an alternative to traditional bread-based stuffings, specifically for stuffing Cornish game hens or serving as a standalone side dish.
What vegetables are included in this stuffing recipe?
The recipe features a medley of shredded carrots, chopped celery, leeks, mushrooms, and onions.
Is this stuffing recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, it is tagged as a vegetarian side dish and is described as an excellent option for vegetarian friends.
How much carrot is needed and how should it be prepared?
The recipe requires 1 cup of carrots, which should be shredded.
What part of the leek should be used?
Only the white end of the leek should be used, cleaned and finely chopped.
What type of bread is recommended for the crumbs?
The recipe calls for 3 slices of fresh whole wheat bread made into crumbs.
How long should the vegetables be sautéed?
The vegetables should be sautéed in a skillet for approximately 3-4 minutes until they are tender and fragrant.
What herbs and spices are used for seasoning?
The stuffing is seasoned with dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, the recipe allows for the use of either 2 tablespoons of butter or margarine.
How much celery and onion are required?
The recipe requires 1 cup of finely chopped celery and 3/4 cup of finely chopped onion.
What is the required amount of mushrooms?
You will need 3/4 cup of finely chopped mushrooms.
Should the vegetable mixture be hot when mixed with bread crumbs?
No, the instructions specify to remove the skillet from heat and let the mixture cool slightly before combining it with the bread crumbs.
How do I cook the stuffing if it is not inside a hen?
Place the stuffing in an oven-safe dish, cover it with foil, and bake it in a preheated oven.
At what temperature should the standalone stuffing be baked?
The stuffing should be baked at 350°F (175°C).
How long does it take to bake the stuffing in a dish?
It takes approximately 25 minutes to bake in an oven-safe dish.
What should I do if I'm only cooking two Cornish game hens?
Stuff the two hens and place any remaining stuffing in an oven-safe dish to be baked separately.
Is this recipe considered a healthy option?
Yes, the description notes that this stuffing is healthy and features fresh vegetables and whole wheat bread.
What occasion is this recipe best suited for?
It is perfect for special occasions, family gatherings, and holiday meals like Thanksgiving.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
The recipe has an ingredient count of 10.
How much thyme is used in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme.
Can I serve this as a side dish?
Yes, it is highly recommended as a standalone side dish as well as a stuffing.
What is the preparation for the onion?
The onion should be finely chopped.
How much salt and pepper should I add?
The recipe suggests 1/2 teaspoon of each, but specifies 'to taste' for both.
Does the recipe suggest a specific heat level for the skillet?
Yes, you should melt the butter or margarine over medium heat.
Is the bread used fresh or toasted?
The recipe specifies using fresh whole wheat bread crumbs.
Why is foil used when baking the stuffing in a dish?
The instructions state to cover the dish with foil to help bake the stuffing before serving.
Does this recipe include any sugar?
No, there is no sugar listed in the ingredients for this savory recipe.
Is this recipe considered comfort food?
Yes, 'comfort food' is one of the tags associated with this recipe.
What is the texture of the vegetables after sautéing?
They should be tender and fragrant.
Can I make more than enough for the hens?
Yes, the description encourages making a generous batch because there is always room for more.